Top 10 Tourist Places in Kerala

God’s Own Country, Kerala is one of the must visit places in the world. The tourist places in Kerala tempts, pleases and of course grants unforgettable experiences. This paradise in India has hill- stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, commercial cities, scenic hamlets and much more to explore.

The coastal state snuggled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is pleasing throughout the year. Be it family vacationers, honeymoon couples, solo backpackers or adventure lovers, there is something for everyone.

Here is the list of top 10 tourist places in Kerala, which you should include in your travel plan:

Alleppey – The Venice of India

Alleppey tops the list of best tourist places in Kerala. The city was titled the ‘Venice of the East’. The backwaters in the area are perfect for a houseboat vacation. Go exploring on the watery routes. The houseboats are age-old modes of transportation revamped with a plenitude of luxuries equivalent to a 5-star hotel. The scenic landscape is soothing sight. Watch coconut groves, paddy fields, ducks and lilies and quaint villages pass by. The cuisines are of note as the fresh produce of the water makes place in your plate. Experience bliss like never before!

[Also Read: Top 5 Backwater Destinations in Kerala]

What not to miss?

Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha.

In addition, do not miss the Snake Boat Race in held in August/ September.

Best time to visit: September to mid-May

Nearest airport: Kochi Airport at 53 km.

Nearest railway station: Alleppey Railway Station is in the city.

Check-out below the Alleppey tour packages:

Munnar – South India’s Tea Haven

Munnar is one of the most beautiful  tourist places in Kerala. Snuggled at 6000 feet, the town has an easy charm. The gradient and the salubrious weather of these hills are perfect for tea farming. The hill station has about 80,000 miles of tea plantation. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kerala for honeymoon. The town has an old world colonial feel to it. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the comfortable hotels in Munnar. For the adventure seeking, trekking and camping are definitely exciting. Munnar is a balm to your body, mind and souls.

[You may also read about Top 10 Romantic Activities for Couples in Kerala]

What not to miss?

Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, TATA Tea Museum, Meesapulimala, Blossom Park, Pothamedu View Point, Life of Pi Church, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Mattupetty Dam, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Kundala Lake, Lockhart Gap, Anamudi, and Eravikulam National Park.

Best time to visit: October to March

Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 143 km away.

Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station is 110 km away.

[Also check : Top 10 Things to do in Munnar]

Kovalam – Kerala’s Beach Paradise

Listed among the must visit tourist places in Kerala, Kovalam is a beauty and one offering cherished experiences. The place offers a lot to the tourists. In addition, the pleasant weather, soothing breeze, golden soft sand and tall coconut trees add more charm to this little piece of paradise. Also, go swimming or bask in the warm sunshine. Get to enjoy lip-smacking seafood. Soothing Ayurvedic massages are also on offer. Relax sunbathing in the warmth or try out water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Additionally, there are a number of accommodation options suitable for your family, loved one or for yourself to relax.

What not to miss?

The Lighthouse, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Halcyon Castle, Akkulam Lake, Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor, Kovalam Jama Masjid, Vellayani Lake, Karamana River, Aruvikkara, Rock Cut Caves, and Valiathura Pier.

Best time to visit: September to May

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport at 15 km.

Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Railway Station at 14 km.

You may also read the 15 Best Spa and Ayurveda Resorts in India that breathe a new life in you!

Fort Kochi – The Crowned ’Queen of Arabian Sea’

One of the top tourist places in Kerala, Fort Kochi is often the gateway to God’s Own Country. The Queen of the Arabian has multiple personalities. The city has history, heritage and multi-ethnic culture. Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and tourists, it is one of the most visited travel destination in Kerala. Fort Kochi has much to offer, in terms of sights, food and experiences. With museums, palaces, synagogues, Hindu temples, churches, heritage buildings, art galleries, beaches, Fort Kochi tempts you to go exploring. Do not miss to savor some of the cuisines and bring home souvenirs.

What not to miss?

Chinese fishing nets during Sunset or sunrise, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill Palace, Marine Drive, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Bolgatty Palace, Kodanad Elephant Training Center, Willingdon Island, Kochi Backwaters, Museum of Kerala History, etc.

Best time to visit: September to March

Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport in the city.

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction is 13 km away.

Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve) – Wildlife Adventures in Abundance

Thekkady ranks among the top tourist destinations in Kerala. It is a natural heaven blessed with wilderness snuggled amid the lush greenery of Western Ghats.  The forests of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary besided the Periyar Lake are the well-known tourist delight. In addition, the coffee and spice plantations are truly amazing. Periyar, one among the 27 Tiger Reserves in India is inhabited by almost 35 species of fauna, like elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs, etc. Also, almost 265 species of birds inhabit the greenery. In addition, you can enjoy the wildness with activities like safari, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle camp, border hiking etc.

What not to miss?

Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Elephant Junction, Deepa World Spice and Ayurvedic Garden, Kumily, Ramakkalmedu, Mullaperiyar Dam, Periyar Tiger Trail, Mudra Cultural Centre, Vandiperiyar, Chellarkovil, Murikkady, and Vandanmedu.

Best time to visit: November to early-May

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at 95 km.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station at 114 km.

[Also Read: How to Plan Your Trip to Periyar National Park: A Comprehensive Guide]

Wayanad – Nature’s very own garden

Wayanad is one of the reasons why Kerala is God’s Own Country. The ‘land of paddy fields’ in Malayalam, this is one of the greenest places to visit in Kerala. The scenic beauty combined with the thrilling adventures makes it a favorite among visitors. Stay in a tree house, Wayanad has plenty of them. You can learn about tribal heritage as more than 50 tribes inhabits the area. Trekking is one of the exciting pleasures of the town. Walk through picturesque environs, if you are lucky you might spot a Neerakunji flower which blooms once in 12 years.

What not to miss?

Edakkal caves, Banasura Sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Lakkidi View Point, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kuruvadweep, Papanashini River and Padinjarathara Dam.

Best time to visit: October to May. Wayanad is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in India during monsoon to enjoy the perks of trekking and other adventure activities.

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at 95 km.

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station at 72 km.

[Check-out Top 15 Things to do in Wayanad]

Kumarakom – A glimpse of paradise

Situated near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a tourist paradise. The quiet little hamlet is blessed with alluring sceneries, pleasant weather and exotic ecosystem. Kumarakom holds a special spot in the list of best places to visit in Kerala. The backwaters are fringed by coconut grooves, fresh paddy fields and villages. Houseboat rides are simply relaxing and out of the world. Delightful authentic food of Kerala is a treat which you definitely should not miss. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places in Kerala. It is home to many bird species including the migratory visitors, the Siberian storks.

What not to miss?

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Juma Masjid, Temple, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara Mahadeva, and Pathiramal Island.

Best time to visit: September to May

Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 85 km away.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 16 km away.

Thrissur- Kerala’s Cultural Capital

Thrissur the “Cultural Capital of Kerala“is one of the must visit tourist places in Kerala. Built around a 65-acre hillock, the town is home to several temples, cultural centers, churches and several colorful cultural festivals. If you want to witness history, heritage and culture of Kerala, there is certainly no better place to go. The city was one of the oldest sites of human settlements. There are many relics of megaliths and dolmens belonging to the Neolithic period. The vibrant Thrissur Pooram Festival is one of the major attractions that draws visitors in large numbers.

What not to miss?

Thrissur Zoo, Athirappaly Waterfalls, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Viyur Jail Park, Temples of Vadakkunnathan, Paramekkavu and Thiruvampadi

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport at 50 km.

Nearest railway station: Thrissur Railway Station is in the city.

[Here are Popular Festivals in Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’]

Thiruvananthapuram – Beach City Built on the Seven Hills

A city thriving with energy yet co-existing with ancient history, Thiruvananthapuram is among the best tourist places in Kerala. The capital city is one of the most beautiful and greenest cities of India. While the blessed beauty is owing to the beautiful beaches along with serene backwaters fringed by palm and coconut groves. While the historic monuments and revered shrines keep the visitors busy. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple above all is the holiest. The holy abode of Anantha Padmanabha is a source of spiritual bliss. While you enjoy the city pleasures, indulge in water sports, also experience the charming culture of Kerala.

What not to miss?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Veli Lagoon, Karamana River, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunu Palace, Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, along with Attukal Temple.

Best time to visit: October to February.

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport in the city.

Nearest railway station: Railway station in the city.

Kozhikode – Spicy haven on the Malabar coast

Originally known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a beautiful city in Kerala. Among the must visit attractions set on the Malabar Coast, the town definitely makes its name. It is well-known as a paradise for those who wish to explore nature and history at its best. From churches, temples, historic monuments to sanctuaries and waterfalls, Kozhikode has everything what one requires to make it a perfect holiday in Kerala. In addition, savor the great blend of different traditions like Arabic and Chinese. Also, the colors of this beautiful amalgam can be witnessed in the food offered by the place. In the meantime do not miss to have a taste of Kozhikode cuisine.

What not to miss?

Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Matri Dei Cathedral, etc.

Best time to visit: September to May

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away.

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station is well within the city limits.

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Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature, momos, dancing, music and travelling, Debasree Chakraborty has all interesting things to share. Go through her penned down travel experiences and collected intelligence in her write ups. Read on!